Karnataka govt will respond to HC notice on Cauvery aarti, says Deputy CM DK Shivakumar

BENGALURU: Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Sunday said the state government will reply to the notice issued by the High Court on performing Cauvery aarti near the Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) dam.

Speaking to reporters at his Sadashivanagar residence, he said, “No one objects to offering puja. Certain sections have some concerns and the government will address them. No one is seeking permission to offer puja, it is a practice that has been going on every day”. He was replying to a reporter who had drawn his attention to the High Court notice to the government regarding the Cauvery aarti.

Karnataka HC issues notice to state in PIL against ₹92.3 Cr Cauvery Aarti near KRS dam

Petitioner Sunanda Jayaram (WP18350/2025) says it violates Dam Safety Act, 2021 citing ecological risks dam safety concerns & lack of expert advice#CauveryAartihttps://t.co/faFfbYVspN pic.twitter.com/bNkg4G5MVG

— Ravindra Poojary (@PerarRavindra) June 27, 2025

Asked about Opposition leader R Ashoka’s statement that there will be a change of guard in the state in August, he said, “When did Ashok become an astrologer? If he has become one, do get me an appointment as I would like to consult him”.

Asked if AICC general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala will meet MLAs individually during his visit to Bengaluru, he said, “Yes, he will meet MLAs personally. He has already informed them about it. I will also send out messages to the MLAs regarding this”.

On May 24, addressing a press conference, Shivakumar stated that decisions to organise the Cauvery aarti on a grand scale have allocated funds to support the initiative. The Cauvery Aarti to be conducted every week on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with participation from religious mutts across the state. Artists have been approached to compose a unity-themed devotional song for the occasion, and Shivakumar confirmed he has written to renowned music composers for their collaboration.

Under the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister Shri D.K. Shivakumar, a meeting was convened at Vidhana Soudha today with MLAs, MLCs, and representatives from various organizations across Mandya district to deliberate on the historic Cauvery Aarti initiative. pic.twitter.com/p4JyP3HYNP

— Ram Prasath Manohar IAS (@PrasathIas) June 25, 2025

On Cauvery aarti during Dasara, Shivakumar said, “The state government is preparing to do the Cauvery aarti programme along with the Dasara this time. Cauvery aarti will include programmes to represent the cultures of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The modalities are being worked out”.

“We have formed a committee under the leadership of BWSSB chairman Ram Prasath Manohar. The DC of Mandya will also be part of this committee. Various departments such as Muzrai, Kannada and Culture, Irrigation and Tourism departments will be involved in various aspects of Cauvery aarti”, he added. (ANI)